Bee Pollen Complex Ingredients & Drug Interactions
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Bee Pollen Complex against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Bee Pollen Complex is a dietary supplement by GNC Natural Brand with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for general energy and vitality, immune support, nutritional supplement.Based on those ingredients, 1,036 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Bee Propolis, Royal Jelly, Bee Pollen. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Bee Pollen Complex by GNC Natural Brand
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Bee Pollen Complex by GNC Natural Brand — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Bee Pollen Complex by GNC Natural Brand
Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
This product contains 3 active ingredients: bee pollen, royal jelly, and bee propolis (also called propolis). All three are natural bee-derived substances.
Bee pollen is the pollen collected by honeybees, royal jelly is a nutrient-rich secretion bees produce to feed larvae, and propolis is a resinous mixture bees use to seal their hives. The tablet also contains several inactive ingredients — microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, dicalcium phosphate, stearic acid, crospovidone, hydroxypropylcellulose, silicon dioxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, and triacetin — which are excipients that help form and stabilize the tablet.
Does it work?
Moderate evidence
The evidence for these ingredients is mixed and often limited. Bee pollen shows possibly ineffective evidence for athletic performance and insufficient evidence for hay fever, amenorrhea, benign prostate enlargement, and cancer-related hot flashes.
Royal jelly is possibly effective for menopausal symptoms but possibly ineffective for hay fever, physical performance, and diabetes; evidence is insufficient for hair loss. Bee propolis is possibly effective for oral mouth sores and cold sores, and possibly effective for diabetes, but we don't have enough data to rate it for dengue fever.
Overall, don't expect strong proven benefits across the board.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Bee pollen and royal jelly are generally well tolerated by most people, and propolis is generally well tolerated in the short term — but all three can trigger allergic reactions, sometimes severe. Bee pollen poses special risk if you have seasonal pollen allergies, especially to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies; reactions can include itching, swelling, shortness of breath, and even anaphylaxis.
Royal jelly carries a high rate of allergic symptoms in people with asthma or atopy (a history of allergic conditions), including itching, hives, swelling, breathing problems, and in rare cases anaphylaxis or death. Propolis can cause headache — about 7% of trial participants reported mild headache — and serious allergic reactions in sensitive people.
Rare serious effects documented for bee pollen include acute hepatitis and kidney problems. For royal jelly, one case of bloody diarrhea and colon inflammation was reported.
Pregnancy safety is uncertain for bee pollen (possibly unsafe) and propolis (not enough data); royal jelly also lacks sufficient safety data in pregnancy. Breastfeeding is not recommended with bee pollen or propolis; royal jelly is possibly safe while breastfeeding but has no complete safety rating on file.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Check before taking this if you're on warfarin or other blood thinners (anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs), blood pressure medications, or any drug metabolized by your liver — that covers a very broad range of medications. The medication checker on this page can help you confirm your exact prescriptions.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
If you take warfarin or blood pressure medications, or use multiple drugs metabolized by your liver, talk with your pharmacist before starting this product — the interactions matter. Anyone with a history of pollen allergies, asthma, or other allergic conditions should be especially cautious and discuss it first.
This product is not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding without personalized medical advice.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 3 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 22, 2019.
This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed
General information
Key facts about Bee Pollen Complex, straight from the product label.
| Brand | GNC Natural Brand |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 048107191313 |
| Net contents | 120 Tablet(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Dec 22, 2019 |
| DSLD ID | 212414 |
| Product type | Other Combinations |
| Supplement form | Tablet Or Pill |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years), Dairy Free |
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.
Supplement Facts
The label details for Bee Pollen Complex by GNC Natural Brand, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Bee Pollen | 1000 mg | -- |
| Royal Jelly | 3.3 mg | -- |
| Bee Propolis | 10 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Croscarmellose Sodium, Dicalcium Phosphate, Stearic Acid, Crospovidone, Hydroxypropylcellulose, Silicon Dioxide, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Triacetin
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Formula
Includes Bee Pollen, Bee Propolis, and Royal Jelly
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Directions: As a dietary supplement, take 1 to 3 tablets daily.
Formulation
No Artificial Sweeteners, No Artificial Colors, No Artificial Flavors, No Preservatives, No Soy, No Dairy.
Precautions
Keep out of reach of children.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Bee Pollen Complex by GNC Natural Brand label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in Bee Pollen Complex by GNC Natural Brand
These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container120 Amounts shown are per serving.
Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.
Bee Pollen
Interacts with2 drugs
Bee pollen is a nutrient-rich product collected by bees and marketed as a 'superfood' for energy and immune support, but solid human evidence for most...
Bee Pollen monograph & interactionsRoyal Jelly
Interacts with174 drugs
Royal jelly is a nutrient-rich substance made by worker bees to feed the queen bee. People take it for menopause symptoms, energy, skin, and immune su...
Royal Jelly monograph & interactionsBee Propolis
Interacts with921 drugs
Propolis is a natural, resin-like substance made by bees that has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties in lab studies. Early research sugges...
Bee Propolis monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Croscarmellose Sodium, Dicalcium Phosphate, Stearic Acid, Crospovidone, Hydroxypropylcellulose, Silicon Dioxide, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Triacetin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Bee Pollen Complex by GNC Natural Brand Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
GNC Natural Brand Bee Pollen Complex contains three bee-derived ingredients, and they do interact with medications.
The most serious concern is with warfarin (Coumadin), a blood thinner. Both bee pollen and royal jelly may increase bleeding risk when taken alongside warfarin — in fact, there's a documented case of a patient's INR (a measure of blood thickness) jumping dangerously high after starting bee pollen.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Royal jelly also interacts with blood pressure medications (antihypertensives); it may theoretically lower blood pressure further and increase the risk of excessively low blood pressure. Bee propolis, the third ingredient, affects a wide range of drugs.
It can theoretically inhibit several liver enzymes that break down medications — including CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP3A4, and CYP2E1 substrates — meaning some of your drugs could build up to higher levels in your blood at high propolis doses. Propolis may also increase bleeding risk if you're on anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs, and theoretically it might decrease warfarin's effectiveness.
Altogether, these interactions span 1,025 individual medications. To know if your exact prescriptions are affected, run them through the medication checker on this page before you start.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Bee Pollen Complex?
Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.
Go to the checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Bee Pollen Complex interact with 1,036 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
3 of the 3 ingredients in Bee Pollen Complex interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Bee Propolis Royal Jelly Bee Pollen
Aspirin, OxycodonePercodan
How Aspirin, Oxycodone interacts with Bee Pollen Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bee PropolisAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, propolis might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
Read the full Bee Propolis + Aspirin, Oxycodone interactionAspirin, PentazocineTalwin Compound
How Aspirin, Pentazocine interacts with Bee Pollen Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bee PropolisCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Read the full Bee Propolis + Aspirin, Pentazocine interactionAtazanavirReyataz
How Atazanavir interacts with Bee Pollen Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bee PropolisCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Bee Propolis + Atazanavir interactionAtazanavir, CobicistatEvotaz
How Atazanavir, Cobicistat interacts with Bee Pollen Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bee PropolisCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Bee Propolis + Atazanavir, Cobicistat interactionAtenololAtenix, Tenormin
How Atenolol interacts with Bee Pollen Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Royal JellyAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, royal jelly might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.
Read the full Royal Jelly + Atenolol interactionAtenolol, ChlortalidoneAtenixCo, Tenoret 50, Totaretic
How Atenolol, Chlortalidone interacts with Bee Pollen Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Royal JellyAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, royal jelly might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.
Read the full Royal Jelly + Atenolol, Chlortalidone interactionAtenolol, ChlorthalidoneTenoretic
How Atenolol, Chlorthalidone interacts with Bee Pollen Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Royal JellyAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, royal jelly might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.
Read the full Royal Jelly + Atenolol, Chlorthalidone interactionAtogepantQulipta
How Atogepant interacts with Bee Pollen Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bee PropolisCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Bee Propolis + Atogepant interactionAtomoxetineStrattera
How Atomoxetine interacts with Bee Pollen Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bee PropolisCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Bee Propolis + Atomoxetine interactionAtorvastatinAtorvaliq
How Atorvastatin interacts with Bee Pollen Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bee PropolisCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Bee Propolis + Atorvastatin interactionAtorvastatin CalciumLipitor
How Atorvastatin Calcium interacts with Bee Pollen Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bee PropolisCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Bee Propolis + Atorvastatin Calcium interactionAtovaquone, ProguanilMalarone
How Atovaquone, Proguanil interacts with Bee Pollen Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bee PropolisCytochrome P450 2c19 (cyp2c19) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C19.
Read the full Bee Propolis + Atovaquone, Proguanil interactionAtropine, Chlorpheniramine, Hyoscyamine, Phenylephrine, Phenylpropanolamine, ScopolamineAtrohist Plus, Pro Tuss, Ru-tuss, Stahist
How Atropine, Chlorpheniramine, Hyoscyamine, Phenylephrine, Phenylpropanolamine, Scopolamine interacts with Bee Pollen Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bee PropolisCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Bee Propolis + Atropine, Chlorpheniramine, Hyoscyamine, Phenylephrine, Phenylpropanolamine, Scopolamine interactionAtropine, MeperidineAtropine, Meperidine
How Atropine, Meperidine interacts with Bee Pollen Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bee PropolisCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Bee Propolis + Atropine, Meperidine interactionAtropine, Morphine SulfateAtropine, Morphine Sulfate
How Atropine, Morphine Sulfate interacts with Bee Pollen Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bee PropolisCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Bee Propolis + Atropine, Morphine Sulfate interactionAvacopanTavneos
How Avacopan interacts with Bee Pollen Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bee PropolisCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Bee Propolis + Avacopan interactionAvanafilStendra
How Avanafil interacts with Bee Pollen Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bee PropolisCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Bee Propolis + Avanafil interactionAvapritinibAyvakit
How Avapritinib interacts with Bee Pollen Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bee PropolisCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Bee Propolis + Avapritinib interactionAxitinibInlyta
How Axitinib interacts with Bee Pollen Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bee PropolisCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Bee Propolis + Axitinib interactionAzelastine Hydrochloride, Fluticasone PropionateDymista
How Azelastine Hydrochloride, Fluticasone Propionate interacts with Bee Pollen Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bee PropolisCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Bee Propolis + Azelastine Hydrochloride, Fluticasone Propionate interactionAzilsartanEdarbi
How Azilsartan interacts with Bee Pollen Complex — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bee PropolisCytochrome P450 2c9 (cyp2c9) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
Read the full Bee Propolis + Azilsartan interactionRoyal JellyAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, royal jelly might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.
Read the full Royal Jelly + Azilsartan interactionAzilsartan, ChlorthalidoneEdarbyclor
How Azilsartan, Chlorthalidone interacts with Bee Pollen Complex — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Royal JellyAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, royal jelly might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.
Read the full Royal Jelly + Azilsartan, Chlorthalidone interactionBee PropolisCytochrome P450 2c9 (cyp2c9) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
Read the full Bee Propolis + Azilsartan, Chlorthalidone interactionBazedoxifene Acetate, Conjugated EstrogensDuavee
How Bazedoxifene Acetate, Conjugated Estrogens interacts with Bee Pollen Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bee PropolisCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Bee Propolis + Bazedoxifene Acetate, Conjugated Estrogens interactionBeclometasone DipropionateBecotide
How Beclometasone Dipropionate interacts with Bee Pollen Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bee PropolisCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Bee Propolis + Beclometasone Dipropionate interactionBeclomethasoneBeclovent, Vanceril
How Beclomethasone interacts with Bee Pollen Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bee PropolisCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Bee Propolis + Beclomethasone interactionBeclomethasone DipropionateQNASL, Qvar
How Beclomethasone Dipropionate interacts with Bee Pollen Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bee PropolisCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Bee Propolis + Beclomethasone Dipropionate interactionBedaquilineSirturo
How Bedaquiline interacts with Bee Pollen Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bee PropolisCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Bee Propolis + Bedaquiline interactionBelladonna Alkaloids, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, PhenylpropanolamineRespa ARM
How Belladonna Alkaloids, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Bee Pollen Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bee PropolisCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Bee Propolis + Belladonna Alkaloids, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionBelladonna Alkaloids, Ergotamine Tartrate, PhenobarbitalBel Tabs, Bellamine-S, Bellaphen-S, Duragal S, Phenarbal S, Spastrin
How Belladonna Alkaloids, Ergotamine Tartrate, Phenobarbital interacts with Bee Pollen Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bee PropolisCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Bee Propolis + Belladonna Alkaloids, Ergotamine Tartrate, Phenobarbital interactionBelladonna, Caffeine, Ergotamine, PentobarbitalMicomp PB
How Belladonna, Caffeine, Ergotamine, Pentobarbital interacts with Bee Pollen Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bee PropolisCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Bee Propolis + Belladonna, Caffeine, Ergotamine, Pentobarbital interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Bee Pollen Complex with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
Bee Propolis
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs
Theoretically, propolis might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
In vitro research shows that propolis water extract and the propolis constituent, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, can inhibit platelet aggregation. Additionally, evidence from an animal model shows that taking propolis in addition to warfarin decreases INR, suggesting that propolis can decrease the effectiveness of warfarin.
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates
Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
In vitro research shows that propolis extract can inhibit CYP1A2. However, animal research shows that propolis extract does not significantly affect CYP1A2 activity when administered to rats at doses up to 250 mg/kg. It is postulated that the constituents of propolis that inhibit CYP1A2 in vitro do not have significant effects in vivo due to low bioavailability and hepatic first-pass effect. This effect has not been reported in humans.
Cytochrome P450 2C19 (Cyp2C19) Substrates
Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C19.
In vitro research shows that propolis extract can inhibit CYP2C19. However, animal research shows that propolis extract does not significantly affect CYP2C19 activity when administered to rats at doses up to 250 mg/kg. It is postulated that the constituents of propolis that inhibit CYP2C19 in vitro do not have significant effects in vivo due to low bioavailability and hepatic first-pass effect. This effect has not been reported in humans.
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates
Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
In vitro research shows that propolis extract can inhibit CYP2C9. However, animal research shows that propolis extract does not significantly affect CYP2C9 activity when administered to rats at doses up to 250 mg/kg. It is postulated that the constituents of propolis that inhibit CYP2C9 in vitro do not have significant effects in vivo due to low bioavailability and hepatic first-pass effect. This effect has not been reported in humans.
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates
Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
In vitro research shows that propolis extract can inhibit CYP2D6. However, animal research shows that propolis extract does not significantly affect CYP2D6 activity when administered to rats at doses up to 250 mg/kg. It is postulated that the constituents of propolis that inhibit CYP2D6 in vitro do not have significant effects in vivo due to low bioavailability and hepatic first-pass effect. This effect has not been reported in humans.
Cytochrome P450 2E1 (Cyp2E1) Substrates
Theoretically, propolis might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2E1.
In vitro research shows that propolis can inhibit CYP2E1. This effect has not been reported in humans.
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates
Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Some in vitro research shows that propolis extract can inhibit CYP3A4; however, other in vitro research shows that propolis has no effect on CYP3A4 activity. Furthermore, animal research shows that propolis extract does not significantly affect CYP3A4 activity when administered to rats at doses up to 250 mg/kg. It is postulated that the constituents of propolis that might in inhibit CYP3A4 in vitro do not have significant effects in vivo due to low bioavailability and hepatic first-pass effect. This effect has not been reported in humans.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Theoretically, propolis might decrease the effectiveness of warfarin.
Animal research shows that taking propolis in addition to warfarin decreases the international normalized ratio (INR). This effect has not been reported in humans.
Royal Jelly
Antihypertensive Drugs
Theoretically, royal jelly might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.
Animal research suggests that royal jelly might lower blood pressure.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Royal jelly might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin.
In one case, an 87-year-old male who was previously stabilized on warfarin developed hematuria and was found to have an INR of 7.29 after taking a royal jelly supplement for one week.
Bee Pollen
Warfarin (Coumadin)
There is some concern that bee pollen might interact with warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding.
In one case report, a patient on warfarin had a stable international normalized ratio (INR) of 1.9-3.3 for 9 months. The patient's INR was found to be 7.1 after starting bee pollen granules one teaspoon twice daily for approximately one month. The patient's warfarin dose was decreased by approximately 11% in order to return the INR to the therapeutic range while continuing the bee pollen supplement.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Bee Pollen Complex, from the product label.
GNC Natural Brand
See all GNC Natural Brand products- Name
- General Nutrition Corporation
- City
- Pittsburgh
- State
- PA
- ZipCode
- 15222
- Phone Number
- 1-888-462-2548
- Web Address
- gnc.com
Bee Pollen Complex by GNC Natural Brand: Common Questions
Does Bee Pollen Complex by GNC Natural Brand interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
Is this safe while breastfeeding?
Can this cause allergic reactions?
What does royal jelly do in this product?
Will this help with cold sores or mouth sores?
Are there any common side effects?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Bee Pollen Complex is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.
The Full Monographs Behind Bee Pollen Complex’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Bee Pollen
Interacts with 2 drugsBee pollen is a nutrient-rich product collected by bees and marketed as a 'superfood' for energy and immune support, but solid human evidence for most of these claims is lacking. It can caus...
Read the full Bee Pollen monograph → Herb & supplement monographRoyal Jelly
Interacts with 174 drugsRoyal jelly is a nutrient-rich substance made by worker bees to feed the queen bee. People take it for menopause symptoms, energy, skin, and immune support, but solid human evidence is limit...
Read the full Royal Jelly monograph → Herb & supplement monographPropolis
Interacts with 921 drugsPropolis is a natural, resin-like substance made by bees that has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties in lab studies. Early research suggests it may help with cold sores, mouth so...
Read the full Propolis monograph →Sources & How We Checked
Bee Pollen Complex's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
The 50 references behind this product’s interaction data
Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
Bee Pollen 15 references
- Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies. 3rd ed., Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press, 1993.
- The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
- Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
- Shad JA, Chinn CG, Brann OS. Acute hepatitis after ingestion of herbs. South Med J 1999;92:1095-7. PubMed
- Puente S, Iniguez A, Subirats M, et al. [Eosinophilic gastroenteritis caused by bee pollen sensitization]. Med Clin (Barc) 1997;108:698-700.
- Winther K, Hedman C. Assessment of the Effects of the Herbal Remedy Femal on the Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp 2002;63:344-53. DOI
- Cohen SH, Yunginger JW, Rosenberg N, Fink JN. Acute allergic reaction after composite pollen ingestion. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1979;64:270-4. PubMed
- Hurren KM, Lewis CL. Probable interaction between warfarin and bee pollen. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2010;67:2034-7. PubMed
- Akiyasu T, Paudyal B, Paudyal P, et al. A case report of acute renal failure associated with bee pollen contained in nutritional supplements. Ther Apher Dial 2010;14:93-7. PubMed
- Greenberger, P. A. and Flais, M. J. Bee pollen-induced anaphylactic reaction in an unknowingly sensitized subject. Ann.Allergy Asthma Immunol 2001;86(2):239-242. PubMed
- Lin FL, Vaughan TR, Vandewalker ML, et al. Hypereosinophilia, neurologic, and gastrointestinal symptoms after bee-pollen ingestion. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1989;83(4):793-796. PubMed
- Mansfield LE, Goldstein GB. Anaphylactic reaction after ingestion of local bee pollen. Ann Allergy 1981;47(3):154-156.
- Choi JH, Jang YS, Oh JW, Kim CH, Hyun IG. Bee pollen-induced anaphylaxis: a case report and literature review. Allergy Asthma Immunol Res 2015 Sep;7(5):513-7. PubMed
- Nonotte-Varly C. Allergenicity of Artemisia contained in bee pollen is proportional to its mass. Eur Ann Allergy Clin Immunol 2015;47(6):218-24.
- Leang ZX, Thalayasingam M, O'Sullivan M. A paediatric case of exercise-augmented anaphylaxis following bee pollen ingestion in Western Australia. Asia Pac Allergy. 2022 Jul 12;12(3):e23. PubMed
Royal Jelly 14 references
- Takahashi M, Matsuo I, Ohkido M. Contact dermatitis due to honeybee royal jelly. Contact Dermatitis 1983;9:452-5.
- Bullock RJ, et al. Fatal royal jelly-induced asthma. Med J Aust 1994;160:44. DOI
- Thien FC, Leung R, Baldo BA, et al. Asthma and anaphylaxis induced by royal jelly. Clin Exp Allergy 1996;26:216-22. PubMed
- Yonei Y, Shibagaki K, Tsukada N, et al. Case report: haemorrhagic colitis associated with royal jelly intake. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 1997;12:495-9.
- Harwood M, Harding S, Beasley R, Frankish PD. Asthma following royal jelly. N Z Med J 1996;109:325.
- Laporte JR, Ibaanez L, Vendrell L, Ballarin E. Bronchospasm induced by royal jelly. Allergy 1996;51:440. DOI
- Leung R, Thien FC, Baldo B, et al. Royal jelly-induced asthma and anaphylaxis: clinical characteristics and immunologic correlations. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1995;96:1004-7. PubMed
- Peacock S, Murray V, Turton C. Respiratory distress and royal jelly. BMJ 1995;311:1472. DOI
- Winther K, Hedman C. Assessment of the Effects of the Herbal Remedy Femal on the Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp 2002;63:344-53. DOI
- Lee NJ, Fermo JD. Warfarin and royal jelly interaction. Pharmacotherapy 2006;26:583-6. PubMed
- Tokunaga, K. H., Yoshida, C., Suzuki, K. M., Maruyama, H., Futamura, Y., Araki, Y., and Mishima, S. Antihypertensive effect of peptides from royal jelly in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Biol.Pharm.Bull. 2004;27(2):189-192. PubMed
- Sultana, A., Nabi, A. H., Nasir, U. M., Maruyama, H., Suzuki, K. M., Mishima, S., and Suzuki, F. A dipeptide YY derived from royal jelly proteins inhibits renin activity. Int.J.Mol.Med. 2008;21(6):677-681. DOI
- Gómez Torrijos E, Méndez Diaz Y, Borja Segade JM, et al. Occupational allergic respiratory disease due to royal jelly. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2016;117(1):102-3. PubMed
- Li JD, Cui L, Xu YY, Guan K. A case of anaphylaxis caused by major royal jelly protein 3 of royal jelly and its cross-reactivity with honeycomb. J Asthma Allergy 2021;14:1555-7. PubMed
Propolis 21 references
- Hay KD, Greig DE. Propolis allergy: a cause of oral mucositis with ulceration. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 1990;70:584-6. PubMed
- Li YJ, Lin JL, Yang CW, Yu CC. Acute renal failure induced by a Brazilian variety of propolis. Am J Kidney Dis 2005;46:e125-9. PubMed
- Jensen CD, Andersen KE. Allergic contact dermatitis from cera alba (purified propolis) in a lip balm and candy. Contact Dermatitis 2006;55:312-3. PubMed
- Chen, T. G., Lee, J. J., Lin, K. H., Shen, C. H., Chou, D. S., and Sheu, J. R. Antiplatelet activity of caffeic acid phenethyl ester is mediated through a cyclic GMP-dependent pathway in human platelets. Chin J Physiol 6-30-2007;50(3):121-126.
- Hsu, C. Y., Chiang, W. C., Weng, T. I., Chen, W. J., and Yuan, A. Laryngeal edema and anaphalactic shock after topical propolis use for acute pharyngitis. Am J Emerg.Med 2004;22(5):432-433. PubMed
- Black, R. J. Vulval eczema associated with propolis sensitization from topical therapies treated successfully with pimecrolimus cream. Clin Exp.Dermatol. 2005;30(1):91-92. PubMed
- Matos D, Serrano P, Brandao FM. A case of allergic contact dermatitis caused by propolis-enriched honey. Contact Dermatitis 2015;72(1):59-60. PubMed
- Naramoto K, Kato M, Ichihara K. Effects of an ethanol extract of Brazilian green propolis on human cytochrome P450 enzyme activities in vitro. J Agric Food Chem 2014;62(46):11296-302. PubMed
- Nyman G, Hagvall L. A case of allergic contact cheilitis caused by propolis and honey. Contact Dermatitis 2016;74(3):186-7. PubMed
- Ryu CS, Oh SJ, Oh JM, et al. Inhibition of cytochrome P450 by propolis in human liver microsomes. Toxicol Res 2016;32(3):207-13. PubMed
- Akbay E, Özenirler Ç, Çelemli ÖG, Durukan AB, Onur MA, Sorkun K. Effects of propolis on warfarin efficacy. Kardiochir Torakochirurgia Pol. 2017;14(1):43-46. PubMed
- Lamoureux A, Meharon M, Durand AL, Darrigade AS, Doutre MS, Milpied B. A first case of erythema multiforme-like contact dermatitis caused by propolis. Contact Dermatitis. 2017;77(4):263-264. PubMed
- Piredda M, Facchinetti G, Biagioli V, et al. Propolis in the prevention of oral mucositis in breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy: A pilot randomised controlled trial. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl). 2017;26(6). PubMed
- Zhang YX, Yang TT, Xia L, Zhang WF, Wang JF, Wu YP. Inhibitory Effect of Propolis on Platelet Aggregation In Vitro. J Healthc Eng. 2017;2017:3050895. PubMed
- Nyman GSA, Tang M, Inerot A, Osmancevic A, Malmberg P, Hagvall L. Contact allergy to beeswax and propolis among patients with cheilitis or facial dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis 2019;81(2):110-6. PubMed
- Igarashi G, Segawa T, Akiyama N, et al. Efficacy of Brazilian propolis supplementation for japanese lactating women for atopic sensitization and nonspecific symptoms in their offspring: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Evid Based Comp PubMed
- Soleimani D, Rezaie M, Rajabzadeh F, et al. Protective effects of propolis on hepatic steatosis and fibrosis among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) evaluated by real-time two-dimensional shear wave elastography: a randomized clinical
- D'Ercole MC. Prolonged use of propolis can increase liver enzymes. J Gastrointestin Liver Dis 2020;29(3):468-9. PubMed
- Cho E, Lee JD, Cho SH. Systemic contact dermatitis from propolis ingestion. Ann Dermatol. 2011;23(1):85-88. PubMed
- Hallajzadeh J, Milajerdi A, Amirani E, Attari VE, Maghsoudi H, Mirhashemi SM. Effects of propolis supplementation on glycemic status, lipid profiles, inflammation and oxidative stress, liver enzymes, and body weight: a systematic review and meta-analysis
- Gheflati A, Dehnavi Z, Ghannadzadeh Yazdi A, Khorasanchi Z, Raeisi-Dehkordi H, Ranjbar G. The effects of propolis supplementation on metabolic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. Avicenna J Phytomed
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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
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